JP2020062983A - Pipe connection structure of vehicle air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To inhibit increase of the number of components and increase of assembly work hours to reduce costs in a case where pipes are inserted into a connection member from different directions to be connected therewith.SOLUTION: A pipe connection structure of a vehicle air conditioner includes a pipe fixing member 20 provided with: an insertion hole 21a into which a first pipe 1 is inserted from a predetermined direction and with which a first protruding part 1b provided on an outer peripheral surface of the first pipe 1 is engaged; and a cutout part 22a into which a second pipe 2 is inserted from a predetermined direction and with which a second protruding part 2b provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 2 is engaged. The pipe fixing member 20 is fixed to a connection member 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure for connecting pipes of a vehicle air conditioner, and particularly to a technical field of a structure for connecting a plurality of pipes by inserting them into a common member.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a vehicle air conditioner has been provided with a refrigeration cycle device composed of a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a condenser, etc., and the devices constituting the refrigeration cycle device are connected by a refrigerant pipe and the inside of the refrigerant is a refrigerant. Are circulated (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  The pipe connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a structure in which two pipes, which are an inlet side pipe and an outlet side pipe, are inserted into an expansion valve and connected, and at the same time, the expansion valve is fixed to a connecting portion of an evaporator. Has become. The two pipes are fixed to the expansion valve by a clamp made of an elastic member while being inserted into the two holes formed on one end surface of the expansion valve in the same direction. The clamp is formed so as to respectively engage with the projections of the two pipes, and has a claw that fits into the recesses formed on both sides of the expansion valve. By fitting the claw portion of the clamp to the claw portion of the expansion valve, the clamp is fixed to the expansion valve, so that the two pipes can be prevented from coming out of the hole portion of the expansion valve.

Japanese Patent No. 4241024

  Incidentally, in Patent Document 1, two pipes are inserted and connected in the same direction with respect to the expansion valve, but for example, in a portion where the pipes branch in the refrigeration cycle device, with respect to the connection member. Pipes may be inserted and connected from different directions. The pipe connection structure of Patent Document 1 is premised on connecting two pipes that are inserted in the same direction, and therefore cannot be applied when the two pipes are inserted from different directions.

  When the two pipes are inserted from different directions, for example, a method of preparing a clamp as disclosed in Patent Document 1 for each pipe and fixing each one, or a fastening member for fixing the pipes is used. It is conceivable to prepare each of them and fasten them one by one.

  However, if a clamp is prepared for each insertion direction of the pipe, the number of parts increases and the number of steps required for assembly increases, resulting in high cost. The same applies when a fastening member is prepared for each insertion direction of the pipe.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to increase the number of parts and the number of assembling steps when the pipes are inserted and connected from different directions with respect to the connecting member. The purpose is to suppress the increase and reduce the cost.

  In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is that a first pipe of a vehicle air conditioner is inserted into a connecting member from a first direction to be connected, and a second pipe of a vehicle air conditioner is the first pipe. In a pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner configured to be inserted and connected to the connection member from a second direction different from the first direction, the first pipe is inserted from a predetermined direction, and 1st insertion part with which the 1st convex part provided in the outer peripheral surface of 1 piping engages, 2nd convex provided in the outer peripheral surface of this 2nd piping by inserting the said 2nd piping from the said predetermined direction It is characterized by comprising a pipe fixing member provided with a second inserting portion with which the portion engages and a fixed portion fixed to the connecting member.

  According to this configuration, the first pipe and the second pipe are respectively inserted and connected to the connection member from the first direction and the second direction. When the first pipe is inserted into the first inserting portion of the pipe fixing member from the predetermined direction, the first convex portion of the first pipe engages with the first inserting portion, and the first inserting portion of the pipe fixing member is inserted into the second inserting portion. When the second pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction, the second convex portion of the second pipe engages with the second insertion portion. Since the insertion direction of the first pipe into the first insertion part and the insertion direction of the second pipe into the second insertion part are the same, the insertion directions of the first pipe and the second pipe with respect to the connecting member are different. Also, the first convex portion of the first pipe and the second convex portion of the second pipe are engaged with the common pipe fixing member. Then, by fixing the fixed portion of the pipe fixing member to the connecting member, the first pipe and the second pipe are prevented from coming off.

  A second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the first insertion portion is formed of an insertion hole into which the first pipe is inserted in a pipe axis direction, and the first convex portion engages with a peripheral edge portion of the insertion hole. And

  According to this configuration, the first convex portion of the first pipe is engaged with the first insertion portion by inserting the first pipe in the pipe axial direction with respect to the first insertion portion, so that workability during assembly is improved. Will be good.

  In a third aspect of the present invention, a pipe axis of the first pipe and a pipe axis of the second pipe are orthogonal to each other, and the second insertion portion has a cutout portion into which the second pipe is radially inserted. And the second convex portion engages with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion.

  According to this configuration, by inserting the second pipe in the radial direction with respect to the second insertion portion, the second convex portion of the second pipe engages with the second insertion portion, so that workability during assembly is improved. Get better

  A fourth aspect of the invention is that the third pipe of the vehicle air conditioner is inserted into and connected to the connecting member from a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction, and is connected to the pipe fixing member. Is characterized in that the third pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction, and a third insertion portion with which a third convex portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third pipe is engaged is provided.

  According to this configuration, the third pipe is inserted and connected to the connecting member from the third direction different from the first pipe and the second pipe. When the third pipe is inserted into the third insertion portion of the pipe fixing member from the predetermined direction, the third convex portion of the third pipe engages with the third insertion portion to prevent the third pipe from coming off.

  In a fifth aspect, the pipe axis of the first pipe and the pipe axis of the third pipe are orthogonal to each other, and the third insertion portion has a cutout portion into which the third pipe is radially inserted. The third convex portion is engaged with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion.

  With this configuration, by inserting the third pipe in the radial direction with respect to the third insertion portion, the third convex portion of the third pipe engages with the third insertion portion, so that workability during assembly is improved. Get better

  In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the pipe fixing member is formed with a screw insertion hole through which a screw shaft provided in the connecting member is inserted, and the fixed portion is a connecting member formed by a nut screwed with the screw shaft. It is characterized in that it is constituted by a peripheral portion of the screw insertion hole that is fastened and fixed to.

  According to this configuration, when the screw shaft of the connection member is inserted into the screw insertion hole of the pipe fixing member and then the nut is screwed into the screw shaft, the peripheral portion of the screw insertion hole in the fixed portion is fastened and fixed by the nut. It As a result, the pipe fixing member is fixed to the connecting member.

  A seventh invention is characterized in that the screw shaft and the pipe shaft of the first pipe extend in the same direction.

  With this configuration, for example, when the pipe fixing member is moved along the pipe axis direction of the first pipe, the screw shaft of the connection member is inserted into the screw insertion hole, so that workability at the time of assembly is improved. .

  An eighth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the pipe fixing member is made of an elastic material, and the fixed portion is a claw portion that engages with an outer surface of the connecting member.

  With this structure, the elasticity of the pipe fixing member causes the claw portion to engage with the outer surface of the connecting member. This makes it possible to fix the pipe fixing member to the connecting member without using a fastening member or the like.

  A ninth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the first insertion portion is formed by a cutout portion into which the first pipe is inserted in a radial direction, and the first convex portion engages with a peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion. To do.

  According to this configuration, by inserting the first pipe in the radial direction with respect to the first insertion portion, the first convex portion of the first pipe engages with the first insertion portion, so that workability during assembly is improved. Get better

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is that the pipe fixing member has a first plate portion extending along a surface of the connection member on which the first pipe is connected, and a side of the connection member to which the second pipe is connected. And a second plate portion extending along the surface, and the first plate portion and the second plate portion are continuous with each other.

  According to this configuration, when the pipe fixing member is fixed to the connecting member, the first plate portion is arranged along the surface of the connecting member on the side to which the first pipe is connected, and the second plate portion of the connecting member. It is arranged along the surface on the side to which the second pipe is connected. This stabilizes the pipe fixing member fixed to the connecting member.

  In an eleventh invention, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are formed by bending a single plate material, and the pipe fixing member is formed from the first plate portion to the second plate portion. It is characterized in that it is provided with a rib extending continuously up to.

  According to this configuration, when the first plate part and the second plate part are formed of one plate material, the deformation of the first plate part and the second plate part is suppressed by the ribs, so that the pipe fixing member is connected. It is stable when it is fixed to the member.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the pipe fixing member is a cast product and is fastened to the connecting member.

  According to this configuration, the pipe fixing member can be made highly rigid, and by fastening the pipe fixing member to the connecting member, it is possible to reliably prevent the pipe from coming off.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction, the first insertion portion with which the first convex portion of the first pipe engages, and the second pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction, Since the pipe fixing member is provided with the second inserting portion with which the second convex portion of the second pipe engages and the fixed portion fixed to the connecting member, the pipe fixing member is provided from a different direction with respect to the connecting member. When the pipes are inserted and connected, an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the number of assembly steps can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the first pipe constitutes the first insertion part by the insertion hole into which the first pipe is inserted in the pipe axis direction, and the first convex part engages with the peripheral edge part of the insertion hole. Workability can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the second pipe constitutes the second insertion portion by the notch portion into which the second pipe is inserted in the radial direction, and the second convex portion engages with the peripheral portion of the notch portion. It is possible to improve the property.

  According to the fourth invention, the third pipe connected from the direction different from the first pipe and the second pipe can be prevented from coming off by the pipe fixing member, so that the number of parts when connecting at least three pipes can be reduced. It is possible to suppress an increase in the number of assembly steps and an increase in the number of assembly steps.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the third pipe is configured by the notch portion into which the third pipe is inserted in the radial direction, and the third convex portion is engaged with the peripheral portion of the notch portion. It is possible to improve the property.

  According to the sixth aspect, the fixed portion can be fastened and fixed to the connecting member.

  According to the seventh aspect, the screw shaft can be inserted into the screw insertion hole by moving the pipe fixing member along the pipe axis of the first pipe, so that workability can be improved.

  According to the eighth aspect, the claw portion can be easily fixed by engaging the outer surface of the connecting member.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the first pipe constitutes the first insertion portion by the notch portion into which the first pipe is inserted in the radial direction, and the first convex portion engages with the peripheral portion of the notch portion. It is possible to improve the property.

  According to the tenth invention, since the first plate portion and the second plate portion of the pipe fixing member are arranged along the outer surface of the connecting member, respectively, the pipe fixing member is stable in the state of being fixed to the connecting member. The effect of preventing the disconnection of each pipe can be further enhanced.

  According to the eleventh aspect, since the rib continuously extends from the first plate portion to the second plate portion, it is possible to suppress deformation of the first plate portion and the second plate portion, and to disconnect each pipe. It is possible to further enhance the effect of preventing.

  According to the twelfth aspect, by fixing the highly rigid pipe fixing member to the connecting member, it is possible to reliably prevent the pipe from coming off.

It is a perspective view showing a piping connection structure of an air-conditioner for vehicles concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an exploded view of the piping connection structure of a vehicle air conditioner. It is a perspective view showing the state before fixing a piping fixing member. It is a left side view of a connecting member. It is a right view of a connecting member. It is a top view of a connecting member. It is a front view of a pipe fixing member. It is a left side view of a pipe fixing member. It is a right view of a piping fixing member. It is a top view of a pipe fixing member. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 3 which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the FIG. 1 equivalent view which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 1 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a FIG. 3 equivalent view which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a FIG. 1 equivalent view which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely an example in essence, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its application, or its use.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a pipe connection structure A of a vehicle air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The pipe connection structure A can be used, for example, in a branch portion of a refrigerant pipe of a refrigeration cycle device (not shown) included in a vehicle air conditioner or a connecting portion that connects a plurality of refrigerant pipes. The refrigeration cycle device is composed of a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a condenser, etc., and the devices constituting the refrigeration cycle device are connected by refrigerant pipes so that the refrigerant circulates therein. The evaporator is provided in the vehicle compartment and acts as a cooling heat exchanger for cooling the air conditioning air. On the other hand, the condenser functions as a heat exchanger that is disposed outside the vehicle compartment and radiates heat to the outside air. The pipe connection structure A may be provided outside the vehicle compartment or inside the vehicle compartment. The pipe may be a pipe through which various heat exchange media (for example, a refrigerant) flow, and may be a straight pipe or a bent pipe.

  In the pipe connection structure A, the first pipe 1 included in the vehicle air conditioner is inserted and connected to the connection member 10 from the first direction, and the second pipe 2 included in the vehicle air conditioner is different from the first direction. The third pipe 3 which is inserted and connected to the connecting member 10 from a different second direction and which is included in the vehicle air conditioner has a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction. It is configured to be plugged in and connected. The pipe connection structure A includes a connection member 10 and a pipe fixing member 20 that is a member separate from the connection member 10. Although not shown, the connection member 10 may be configured so that the fourth pipe and the fifth pipe can be inserted therein.

  Further, in the description of this embodiment, as shown in each drawing, the top, bottom, left and right are defined, and the front side and the back side are defined. This is for convenience of description only, and does not limit the use state, the assembled state, the connecting direction of the pipes, etc., for example, the upper side in each figure is located below, left, right etc. It can also be used.

(Configuration of first to third pipes 1 to 3)
As shown in FIG. 2, a sealing material 1a including an O-ring or the like is provided at the tip of the first pipe 1. The sealing material 1a can be fitted into a groove (not shown) formed in the outer peripheral surface of the tip end portion of the first pipe 1. The tip of the first pipe 1 is the tip in the direction of insertion into the connecting member 10. The side opposite to the insertion direction is defined as the base end side. The flow direction of the internal fluid may be a flow from the front end side to the base end side or a flow from the base end side to the front end side.

  A first convex portion 1b is provided on the base end side of the sealing material 1a in the vicinity of the tip end portion of the first pipe 1. The 1st convex part 1b is formed in the collar shape which protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the 1st piping 1, and extends continuously in the circumferential direction. The first convex portion 1b may be integrally molded with the first pipe 1, or may be configured by fixing another component to the first pipe 1. The first protrusion 1b may be a protrusion that is discontinuous in the circumferential direction of the first pipe 1. Moreover, the 1st convex part 1b may be multiply provided.

  Similar to the first pipe 1, the second pipe 2 is also provided with the seal material 2a and the second convex portion 2b, and the third pipe 3 is also provided with the seal material 3a and the third convex portion 3b. The first to third pipes 1 to 3 may be the same pipe or different pipes, for example, the outer diameter, the inner diameter, the wall thickness, the shapes of the convex portions 1b, 2b, 3b, and the sealing material 1a. The positions of 2a and 3a may be different from each other. The first to third pipes 1 to 3 can be made of, for example, aluminum alloy pipes, but the material is not limited to this.

(Structure of the connection member 10)
The connecting member 10 can be made of, for example, the same material as the material of the first to third pipes 1 to 3, and has a block shape as a whole. The connection member 10 connects the first to third pipes 1 to 3 to each other. The first pipe 1 may be branched into the second pipe 2 and the third pipe 3, the second pipe 2 may be branched into the first pipe 1 and the third pipe 3, and the third pipe 3 Can also be branched into a first pipe 1 and a second pipe 2. The shape of the connecting member 10 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, or a shape similar to a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube. The connection member 10 may be fixed to, for example, a member forming a vehicle body or an air conditioner.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the connection member 10 is formed with first to third insertion holes 11 to 13 into which the first to third pipes 1 to 3 are inserted. The connection member 10 has at least a top surface 10a that is a first surface, a left side surface 10b that is a second surface, and a right side surface 10c that is a third surface. The positional relationship between the upper surface 10a and the left side surface 10b is substantially orthogonal to each other, and the left side surface 10b extends downward from the left edge portion of the upper surface 10a. The positional relationship between the upper surface 10a and the right side surface 10c is substantially orthogonal to each other, and the right side surface 10b extends downward from the right edge portion of the upper surface 10a. The left side surface 10b and the right side surface 10c are substantially parallel to each other. Although the upper surface 10a, the left side surface 10b, and the right side surface 10c have a substantially rectangular shape, the shape of each surface 10a, 10b, 10c is not limited to a rectangular shape, and can be any shape. Further, the first to third surfaces are not limited to the top surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface, and may be any three surfaces having a positional relationship such as the top surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the first insertion hole 11 opens in a substantially circular shape on the upper surface 10 a of the connection member 10. The first insertion hole 11 extends toward the inside of the connection member 10 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the upper surface 10a, and has a substantially circular cross section from the upper end portion to the lower end portion. A first step portion 11 a is formed on the upper peripheral edge of the first insertion hole 11. The first convex portion 1b of the first pipe 1 is fitted inside the first step portion 11a. In addition, the sealing material 1a of the first pipe 1 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first insertion hole 11 over the entire circumference and is elastically deformed, whereby the sealing performance can be ensured. ing.

  A stud bolt (screw shaft) B is provided on the upper surface 10a of the connection member 10 at a position leftward from the first insertion hole 11. The stud bolt B is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to the upper surface 10a (substantially parallel to the center line of the first insertion hole 11) and protrudes upward from the upper surface 10a. The position of the stud bolt B is not particularly limited, and it can be provided at any position on the upper surface 10a. Further, the number of stud bolts B may be two or more. In addition to the stud bolts B, fastening with screws or the like may be used.

  A left end portion of the second insertion hole 12 is opened in a substantially circular shape on the left side surface 10b of the connection member 10. The second insertion hole 12 extends toward the inside of the connection member 10 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the left side surface 10b, and has a substantially circular cross section from the left end portion to the right end portion. A second step portion 12a is formed on the left peripheral portion of the second insertion hole 12. The second convex portion 2b of the second pipe 2 is fitted inside the second step portion 12a. Further, the sealing material 2a of the second pipe 2 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second insertion hole 12 over the entire circumference so as to ensure the sealing property.

  As shown in FIG. 5, on the right side surface 10c of the connection member 10, the right end portion of the third insertion hole 13 is opened in a substantially circular shape. The third insertion hole 13 extends toward the inside of the connection member 10 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the right side surface 10c, and has a substantially circular cross section from the right end portion to the left end portion. A third step portion 13 a is formed on the right peripheral portion of the third insertion hole 13. The third convex portion 3b of the third pipe 3 is fitted inside the third step portion 13a. Further, the sealing material 3a of the third pipe 3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the third insertion hole 13 over the entire circumference so that the sealing performance can be secured.

  The lower end of the first insertion hole 11, the right end of the second insertion hole 12, and the left end of the third insertion hole 13 communicate with each other inside the connection member 10. As a result, the tip end of the first pipe 1 inserted into the first insertion hole 11, the tip end of the second pipe 2 inserted into the second insertion hole 12, and the third end inserted into the third insertion hole 13. The tip of the pipe 3 is connected to each other to allow the fluid to flow.

  The pipe axis of the first pipe 1 inserted into the first insertion hole 11 and the pipe axis of the second pipe 2 inserted into the second insertion hole 12 are orthogonal to each other. The pipe axis of the first pipe 1 inserted into the first insertion hole 11 and the pipe axis of the third pipe 3 inserted into the third insertion hole 13 are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the pipe axis of the second pipe 2 inserted into the second insertion hole 12 and the pipe axis of the third pipe 3 inserted into the third insertion hole 13 are parallel to each other, and in this embodiment, on the same straight line. It is located in. That is, the first direction in which the first pipe 1 is inserted into the connecting member 10 is the downward direction, and the second direction in which the second pipe 2 is inserted into the connecting member 10 is the right direction. The third direction in which the third pipe 3 is inserted into the connecting member 10 is the left direction.

(Structure of the pipe fixing member 20)
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pipe fixing member 20 is a member made of a single elastic plate material, and includes an upper plate part (first plate part) 21 and a left plate part (second plate part). ) 22 and a right plate portion (third plate portion) 23. The upper plate part 21, the left plate part 22, and the right plate part 23 are formed by bending the above-mentioned one plate material and are continuous with each other. As the plate material forming the pipe fixing member 20, for example, steel plate or the like can be used, but the plate material is not limited thereto.

  The upper plate portion 21 extends along the upper surface 10a which is the surface of the connecting member 10 on the side to which the first pipe 1 is connected. The left plate portion 22 extends along the left side surface 10b which is the surface of the connection member 10 on the side to which the second pipe 2 is connected. The right plate portion 23 extends along the right side surface 10c which is the surface of the connection member 10 on the side to which the third pipe 3 is connected. The upper edge of the left plate 22 is continuous with the left edge of the upper plate 21, and the upper edge of the right plate 23 is continuous with the right edge of the upper plate 21. Therefore, the pipe fixing member 20 has a shape that is opened downward as a whole and is also opened toward the front side and the back side.

  The upper plate portion 21 is formed with an insertion hole 21a into which the first pipe 1 is inserted in the pipe axis direction. The insertion hole 21a is a first insertion portion into which the first pipe 1 is inserted from a predetermined direction and the first convex portion 1b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe 1 engages. The diameter of the insertion hole 21a is set such that a portion of the first pipe 1 where the first convex portion 1b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the first convex portion 1b in the radial direction. Therefore, the first convex portion 1b is engaged with the peripheral portion of the insertion hole 21a. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge portion of the insertion hole 21a comes into contact with and engages from above the first convex portion 1b.

  A screw insertion hole 21b, through which the stud bolt B is inserted, is formed in a portion of the upper plate portion 21 leftward from the insertion hole 21a. The peripheral portion of the insertion hole 21 a in the upper plate portion 21 is a portion that is fastened and fixed to the connecting member 10 by the nut C that is screwed into the stud bolt B, and is a fixed portion that is fixed to the connecting member 10. The method of fixing the fixed portion is not limited to the method of using the stud bolt B and the nut C, and may be a method of fixing using a screw or a bolt (not shown). The screw insertion hole 21b may be formed according to the position of the stud bolt B, and the formation position of the screw insertion hole 21b is not limited to the left side of the upper plate portion 21. Further, a plurality of positions of the pipe fixing member 20 may be fixed to the connecting member 10. The left plate portion 22 and the right plate portion 23 may be fixed to the connecting member 10.

  The left plate portion 22 is formed with a cutout portion 22a into which the second pipe 2 is inserted in the radial direction. The cutout portion 22 a is opened downward at the lower end portion of the left plate portion 22 and is formed from this lower end portion to the vertically intermediate portion of the left plate portion 22. The cutout portion 22a is a second insertion portion into which the second pipe 2 is inserted from the predetermined direction, and the second convex portion 2b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 2 engages. The width of the cutout portion 22a is set so that a portion of the second pipe 2 where the second convex portion 2b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the second convex portion 2b in the radial direction. Therefore, the second convex portion 2b is engaged with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion 22a. In this embodiment, the peripheral portion of the cutout portion 22a comes into contact with and engages with the second convex portion 2b from the left.

  The right plate portion 23 is formed with a cutout portion 23a into which the third pipe 3 is inserted in the radial direction. The cutout portion 23a is opened downward at the lower end portion of the right plate portion 23, and is formed from this lower end portion to the vertically intermediate portion of the right plate portion 23. The cutout portion 23a is a third insertion portion into which the third pipe 3 is inserted from the predetermined direction, and the third convex portion 3b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third pipe 3 engages. The width of the notch 23a is set so that a portion of the third pipe 3 where the third convex portion 3b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the third convex portion 3b in the radial direction. Therefore, the third convex portion 3b is engaged with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion 23a. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the cutout 23a comes into contact with and engages from the right of the third protrusion 3b.

  The pipe fixing member 20 is provided with a first rib 24 and a second rib 25 which are continuous from the upper plate portion 21 to the left plate portion 22 and continuously extend from the upper plate portion 21 to the right plate portion 23. The first rib 24 is provided at the front edge of the pipe fixing member 20, and the second rib 25 is provided at the rear edge of the pipe fixing member 20. The first ribs 24 and the second ribs 25 are formed by bending the edges of the plate material, and are therefore integrally formed with the upper plate part 21, the left plate part 22 and the right plate part 23. .

(Piping connection method)
Next, a method of connecting the first to third pipes 1 to 3 using the pipe connection structure A will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the first pipe 1 is inserted into the first insertion hole 11 of the connection member 10, the second pipe 2 is inserted into the second insertion hole 12 of the connection member 10, and the third pipe 3 is connected. 10 into the third insertion hole 13. The timing of inserting the first to third pipes 1 to 3 may not be the same.

  After inserting the first to third pipes 1 to 3, the pipe fixing member 20 is arranged above the connecting member 10. At this time, the insertion hole 21a of the pipe fixing member 20 is located above the first convex portion 1b of the first pipe 1, and the lower ends of the cutouts 22a and 23a are the second pipe 3 and the third pipe 3, respectively. The pipe fixing member 20 is arranged so as to be located above.

  Then, when the pipe fixing member 20 is moved downward, the distal end side portion of the first pipe 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 21a of the pipe fixing member 20 in the pipe axial direction, and further, the second pipe 2 is inserted into the cutout portion 22a. The distal end side portion of the third pipe 3 is radially inserted into the notch 23a. The insertion direction of the first pipe 1 into the insertion hole 21a, the insertion direction of the second pipe 2 into the cutout portion 22a, and the insertion direction of the third pipe 3 into the cutout portion 23a are the same. Therefore, the worker can engage the first to third pipes 1 to 3 with the pipe fixing member 20 only by performing the work of moving the pipe fixing member 20 from the upper side to the lower side. At the same time, the stud bolt B of the connecting member 10 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 21b of the pipe fixing member 20. The moving direction of the pipe fixing member 20 at the time of assembly is not limited to the vertical direction, and can be changed according to the direction of the connecting member 10.

  Next, the pipe fixing member 20 is fixed to the connecting member 10 by screwing and tightening the nut C onto the stud bolt B. This prevents the first to third pipes 1 to 3 from coming off from the first to third insertion holes 11 to 13.

  Further, since the pipe fixing member 20 is provided with the first rib 24 and the second rib 25, the pipe fixing member 20 is suppressed from being deformed so that the space between the left plate portion 22 and the right plate portion 23 is opened. be able to. The thickness of the pipe fixing member 20 can make it difficult to open the gap between the left plate portion 22 and the right plate portion 23. In this case, the first rib 24 and the second rib 25 need not be provided.

(Operation and effect of the embodiment)
As described above, according to this embodiment, the first pipe 1 is inserted from the predetermined direction, the insertion hole 21a with which the first convex portion 1b of the first pipe 1 is engaged, and the second pipe 2 are provided. The notch 22a that is inserted from a predetermined direction to engage the second convex portion 2b of the second pipe 2 and the third convex portion 3b of the third pipe 3 that is inserted from the predetermined direction by the third pipe 3 are formed. The first to third pipes 1 to 3 are prevented from coming off from the first to third insertion holes 11 to 13 by fixing the pipe fixing member 20 having the engaging cutouts 23a to the connecting member 10. be able to. Therefore, when the first to third pipes 1 to 3 are inserted and connected to the connection member 10 from different directions, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the number of assembly steps, and reduce the cost. it can.

(Embodiment 2)
11 and 12 show a pipe connection structure A of a vehicle air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the manufacturing method of the pipe fixing member 20 is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other portions are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same portions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals below. Description will be omitted, and different parts will be described.

  That is, the details of the pipe fixing member 20 of the second embodiment are shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, which is a cast product. The upper plate part 21, the left plate part 22 and the right plate part 23 have substantially the same thickness. The material of the pipe fixing member 20 can be, for example, an aluminum alloy, and in this case, the pipe fixing member 20 can be made of lightweight aluminum die cast. Since the upper plate part 21, the left plate part 22, and the right plate part 23 are formed so as to open downward, the mold release property at the time of molding is good. The wall thickness of the pipe fixing member 20 of the second embodiment can be set thicker than the wall thickness of the pipe fixing member 20 of the first embodiment. Further, the ribs 24 and 25 of the first embodiment can be made unnecessary by using a casting, but the ribs may be provided if necessary. When the ribs are provided, the number may be one or two or more.

  In the case of the second embodiment as well, in the same manner as the first embodiment, when the first to third pipes 1 to 3 are inserted and connected to the connecting member 10 from different directions, the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps increases. The increase can be suppressed and the cost can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
17 and 18 show a pipe connection structure A of a vehicle air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the structure for fixing the pipe fixing member 20 to the connecting member 10 is different from that of the first embodiment, and other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given, the description is omitted, and different parts will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, at the lower end portion of the left plate portion 22 of the pipe fixing member 20, the claw portions (fixed portions) 22b, 22b that engage with the outer surface of the connecting member 10 protrude toward the right side. Is formed. At the lower end portion of the right plate portion 23 of the pipe fixing member 20, claw portions (fixed portions) 23b, 23b that engage with the outer surface of the connecting member 10 are formed so as to protrude leftward. The distance between the tip of the left claw portion 22b in the protruding direction and the tip of the right claw portion 23b in the protruding direction is set to be shorter than the dimension of the lower surface of the connection member 10 in the left-right direction.

  When fixing the pipe fixing member 20 to the connecting member 10, after inserting the pipes 1 to 3, the pipe fixing member 20 is moved from above the connecting member 10 to below. Then, the lower surfaces of the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b of the pipe fixing member 20 come into contact with the left edge portion and the right edge portion of the upper surface 10a of the connection member 10, and are contacted by the left edge portion and the right edge portion of the upper surface 10a. The claw portions 22b and 23b are pushed in the left-right direction. As a result, the pipe fixing member 20 is elastically deformed and the distance between the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b is expanded. When the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b reach the lower surface of the connection member 10, the space between the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b is narrowed by the restoring force of the pipe fixing member 20. To be displaced. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b engage with the outer surface of the connecting member 10, and the pipe fixing member 20 is fixed to the connecting member 10. When the pipe fixing member 20 is detached from the connecting member 10, the pipe fixing member 20 may be elastically deformed so that the interval between the left claw portion 22b and the right claw portion 23b may be widened, so that workability is good. .

  Similarly to the first embodiment, in the case of the third embodiment, when the first to third pipes 1 to 3 are inserted and connected to the connection member 10 from different directions, the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps increases. The increase can be suppressed and the cost can be reduced.

  In the third embodiment, the fastening member for fixing the pipe fixing member 20 to the connecting member 10 is not necessary, so the number of parts is smaller than in the first and second embodiments. Note that, also in the third embodiment, the pipe fixing member 20 may be partially fastened to the connecting member 10.

(Embodiment 4)
23 and 24 show a pipe connection structure A of a vehicle air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the structure for fixing the pipe fixing member 30 to the connecting member 10 is different from that of the first embodiment, and the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given, the description is omitted, and different parts will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 24 to 27, the pipe fixing member 30 includes a front side plate portion 31 extending along the front surface of the connection member 10 and an upper plate portion extending along the upper surface 10 a of the connection member 10. 32, a left plate portion 33 extending along the left side surface 10b of the connecting member 10, and a right plate portion 34 extending along the right side surface 10c of the connecting member 10. The front edge of the upper plate 32 is continuous with the upper edge of the front plate 31, and the front edge of the left plate 33 is continuous with the left edge of the front plate 31, and The front edge of the right plate 34 is continuous with the right edge of the front plate 31. Therefore, the pipe fixing member 30 has a shape that is opened to the inner side as a whole and is also opened to the lower side, but this opening direction can be set arbitrarily.

  The upper plate portion 32 is formed with a cutout portion 32a into which the first pipe 1 is inserted in the radial direction. The notch 32a is open at the rear end of the upper plate 32, and is formed from the rear end to the middle of the upper plate 32. The notch 32a has a first convex portion 1b provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first pipe 1 when the first pipe 1 is inserted in a predetermined direction, that is, when the notch 32a is inserted from the back side to the front side. It is the 1st insertion part which engages. The width of the cutout portion 32a is set so that a portion of the first pipe 1 where the first convex portion 1b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the first convex portion 1b in the radial direction. Therefore, the first convex portion 1b is engaged with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion 32a. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge of the cutout 32a comes into contact with and engages with the top of the first protrusion 1b.

  The left plate portion 33 is formed with a cutout portion 33a into which the second pipe 2 is inserted in the radial direction. The cutout portion 33a is opened at the end portion on the far side of the left plate portion 33, and is formed from the end portion on the far side to the middle portion of the left plate portion 33. The cutout portion 33a is a second insertion portion with which the second convex portion 2b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 2 engages when the second pipe 2 is inserted from the predetermined direction. The width of the cutout portion 33a is set so that a portion of the second pipe 2 where the second convex portion 2b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the second convex portion 2b in the radial direction. Therefore, the second convex portion 2b is engaged with the peripheral portion of the cutout portion 33a. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion 33a comes into contact with and engages from the left of the second convex portion 2b.

  The right plate portion 34 is formed with a cutout portion 34a into which the third pipe 3 is inserted in the radial direction. The notch 34a is opened at the end on the far side of the right plate portion 34, and is formed from the end on the far side to the middle portion of the right plate portion 34. The cutout portion 34a is a third insertion portion with which the third convex portion 3b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third pipe 3 engages when the third pipe 3 is inserted from the predetermined direction. The width of the cutout portion 34a is set such that a portion of the third pipe 3 where the third convex portion 3b is not provided can be inserted, and is set to be shorter than the outer dimension of the third convex portion 3b in the radial direction. Therefore, the third convex portion 3b is engaged with the peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion 34a. In this embodiment, the peripheral portion of the cutout portion 34a comes into contact with and engages from the right of the third convex portion 3b.

  Claw portions (fixed portions) 32b, 32b that engage with the outer surface of the connection member 10 are formed at the end portion on the back side of the upper plate portion 32 of the pipe fixing member 20 so as to project downward. . Claw portions (fixed portions) 33b, 33b that engage with the outer surface of the connection member 10 are formed at the end portion of the pipe fixing member 20 on the inner side of the left plate portion 33 so as to project rightward. . Claw portions (fixed portions) 34b, 34b that engage with the outer surface of the connecting member 10 are formed at the end portion on the far side of the right plate portion 34 of the pipe fixing member 20 so as to project leftward. . The claw portions 32b, 33b, 34b function similarly to the claw portions 22b, 23b of the third embodiment.

  In the case of the fourth embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 23, the first pipe 1 is inserted into the first insertion hole 11 of the connection member 10, the second pipe 2 is inserted into the second insertion hole 12 of the connection member 10, and 3 After inserting the pipe 3 into the third insertion hole 13 of the connection member 10, the pipe fixing member 30 is arranged on the front side of the connection member 10 and then moved to the back side.

  Then, the tip side portion of the first pipe 1 is radially inserted into the cutout portion 32a, the tip side portion of the second pipe 2 is radially inserted into the cutout portion 33a, and the third portion is further inserted into the cutout portion 34a. The tip side portion of the pipe 3 is radially inserted. The insertion direction of the first pipe 1 into the cutout portion 32a, the insertion direction of the second pipe 2 into the cutout portion 33a, and the insertion direction of the third pipe 3 into the cutout portion 34a are the same. Therefore, the worker can engage the pipe fixing member 30 with the first to third pipes 1 to 3 only by performing the work of moving the pipe fixing member 30 from the front side to the back side.

  Also in the case of the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the first to third pipes 1 to 3 are inserted and connected to the connection member 10 from different directions, the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps increases. The increase can be suppressed and the cost can be reduced.

  In the fourth embodiment, the fastening member for fixing the pipe fixing member 30 to the connecting member 10 is not necessary, so the number of parts is smaller than that in the first and second embodiments. Note that, also in the fourth embodiment, the pipe fixing member 30 may be partially fastened to the connecting member 10.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects, and should not be limitedly interpreted. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention can be used, for example, in a branch portion or a connection portion of a refrigerant pipe of a refrigeration cycle device.

1 1st piping 1b 1st convex part 2 2nd piping 2b 2nd convex part 3 3rd piping 3b 3rd convex part 10 connection member 20 piping fixing member 21 upper plate part (1st plate part)
21a insertion hole (first insertion portion)
22 Left plate part (second plate part)
22a Cutout portion (second insertion portion)
23a Notch (third insertion part)
24, 25 rib 30 pipe fixing member 32a notch (first insertion part)
33a Notch (second insertion part)
34a Notch (third insertion part)
A Vehicle air conditioner piping connection structure

Claims (12)

The first pipe of the vehicle air conditioner is inserted and connected to the connecting member from the first direction, and the second pipe of the vehicle air conditioner is connected to the connecting member from a second direction different from the first direction. In a pipe connection structure of a vehicle air conditioner configured to be plugged into and connected to,
The first pipe is inserted from a predetermined direction, the first insertion portion with which the first convex portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe engages, and the second pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction, A pipe fixing member provided with a second insertion portion with which a second convex portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe engages, and a fixed portion fixed to the connecting member. A pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner. In the pipe connection structure of the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1,
The first insertion portion is formed of an insertion hole into which the first pipe is inserted in the pipe axis direction, and the first convex portion engages with a peripheral portion of the insertion hole. Pipe connection structure. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 2,
The pipe axis of the first pipe and the pipe axis of the second pipe are orthogonal to each other,
The second insertion portion is configured by a cutout portion into which the second pipe is inserted in a radial direction, and the second convex portion engages with a peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion. Pipe connection structure. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A third pipe of the vehicle air conditioner is inserted and connected to the connecting member from a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction,
The pipe fixing member is provided with a third inserting portion into which the third pipe is inserted from the predetermined direction and which engages with a third convex portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the third pipe. Characteristic vehicle air conditioner piping connection structure. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 4,
The pipe axis of the first pipe and the pipe axis of the third pipe are orthogonal to each other,
The third insertion portion is formed by a cutout portion into which the third pipe is inserted in a radial direction, and the third convex portion engages with a peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion. Pipe connection structure. In the pipe connection structure of the vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The pipe fixing member is formed with a screw insertion hole through which the screw shaft provided in the connection member is inserted,
The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the fixed portion is configured by a peripheral portion of the screw insertion hole that is fastened and fixed to the connection member by a nut that is screwed to the screw shaft. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 6,
The pipe connection structure for an air conditioner for a vehicle, wherein the screw shaft and the pipe shaft of the first pipe extend in the same direction. The pipe connection structure of the vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The pipe fixing member is made of an elastic material,
The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the fixed portion is a claw portion that engages with an outer surface of the connection member. In the pipe connection structure of the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1,
The first insertion portion is configured by a cutout portion into which the first pipe is inserted in a radial direction, and the first convex portion engages with a peripheral edge portion of the cutout portion. Pipe connection structure. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The pipe fixing member extends along a surface of the connection member on the side to which the first pipe is connected and a surface of the connection member on the side to which the second pipe is connected. A pipe connection structure for an air conditioner for a vehicle, comprising: a second plate part, wherein the first plate part and the second plate part are continuous with each other. The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner according to claim 10,
The first plate portion and the second plate portion are formed by bending one plate material,
The pipe connection structure for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the pipe fixing member includes a rib that continuously extends from the first plate portion to the second plate portion. In the pipe connection structure of the vehicle air conditioner according to claim 1,
The pipe connecting structure for a vehicle air conditioner, wherein the pipe fixing member is a cast product and is fastened to the connecting member.

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